Alcoa Grants in Mexico Exceed $1 Million in 2002.

Business Editors

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 2003

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) today announced combined grants from Alcoa Foundation and Alcoa Fujikura Ltd. (AFL) in communities covering all six of AFL's Mexican operating locations exceeded US$1 million in 2002.

More than 30 Alcoa Foundation investments were made in Mexican communities ranging from:

-- Supplying computer equipment to schools in Monterrey and

Piedras Negras;

-- Support for construction of a new shelter for the Casa de

Amiga Crisis Center in Juarez;

-- Development of a community park project in Acuna;

-- Transportation to and construction for a shelter for homeless

children who have been abandoned or abused by their parents in

Puebla;

-- Expansion of an Alzheimer Center for patients and their

families in Torreon.

In addition to the Alcoa Foundation grants, AFL made grants and investments in more than 20 projects in its communities, ranging from:

-- The purchase of new ambulances in Acuna and Monterrey;

-- Donation of 5,000 sweaters for kindergartners in Acuna in

December;

-- Vocational training and workshops for youths and adults with

learning or physical disabilities in Juarez;

-- Scholarships for Technical University students in Piedras

Negras;

-- Rehabilitation of a sports complex for children in Puebla;

-- Computer equipment for a shelter for orphaned and abandoned

children in Torreon.

In addition to cash grants provided by Alcoa Foundation and AFL, AFL employees participated in 17 separate volunteer programs -- from painting and repairing schools and community buildings, to reforesting, to rebuilding a property used for horseback riding for therapy for the disabled -- which raised more than $50,000 in ACTION (Alcoans Coming Together In Our Neighborhoods) grants. Action grants recognize a team of Alcoans who provide a day of service by providing a $3,000 grant in their name to the organization where they worked.

Alcoa is the world's leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses as a single solution to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) aluminum foil, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 127,000 employees in 40 countries. For more information go to www.alcoa.com

About Alcoa Foundation

Established in 1952. Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in improving the quality of life in more than 29 countries around the world where Alcoa operates. The Foundation's grants address global and local need in Areas of Excellence that include: Conservation and Sustainability, Global Education and Workplace Skills, Business and Community Partnerships and Safe and Healthy Children and Families. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, visit alcoa.com, under Community.